Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Virginia Program Grant by the Virginia Environmental Endowment focuses on enhancing water quality, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, and promoting land conservation. It encourages projects that improve local watersheds and foster environmental literacy. The program prioritizes innovative strategies, matching funds, and collaborative approaches to address climate adaptation and emerging environmental issues. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, while ineligible costs include litigation and land purchases.

The Wild East Action Fund aims to enhance community resilience and conservation efforts within the Appalachian Trail landscape. It supports projects that address climate change impacts and foster recovery through community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, focusing on land protection, conservation planning, and community support. Special consideration is given to projects addressing the immediate recovery from Hurricane Helene, promoting sustainable practices and strengthening community bonds.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Arts in Education

Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences. Projects may take place in schools, after-school programs, or nonprofit agencies such as art centers, social service agencies, and parks and recreation facilities that provide services to youth and/or adults. Project Support Grants can support artist’s fees and travel, space rental, transportation, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment rental or purchase.

Arts Education projects taking place in schools are considered Open to the General Public.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation's Field of Interest Grant Program aims to support organizations addressing child labor exploitation. Grants will prioritize initiatives that assist affected individuals and combat labor trafficking. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), with a focus on projects serving Accomack County. Funding will cover basic needs, legal services, youth programs, education, and nonprofit capacity-building efforts. Application deadlines are March 1 for Spring and September 1 for Fall.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Virginia Touring Grants program supports high-quality arts performances by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50% of performance fees for artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. Designed to expand access to the arts, these grants are available to Virginia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and federally tax-exempt schools. Presenters must secure a 1:1 cash match and ensure programs are publicly accessible, fostering increased community engagement with the arts throughout Virginia.

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lifelong Learning Grants

To facilitate and support arts learning for students, educators, youth, and adult citizens, reaching those who are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented, by providing opportunities to work with highly qualified professional teaching artists in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.

Description

Lifelong Learning Grants fund sequential hands-on learning programs and experiences designed to encourage artistic skills, processes, and creativity. Artistic and/or cultural discipline(s) may include, but are not limited to dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and visual arts. Arts learning programs include specific objectives, outcomes and methods of evaluation that are well defined and relevant to the learners involved.

The Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity supports Virginia-based partnerships in addressing systemic barriers to health equity. With funding up to $150,000 over two years, the program encourages innovative research in policy, systems, and environmental strategies. Eligible applicants include non-profits and municipalities, aiming to leverage community strengths to enhance health outcomes. This initiative prioritizes collaborative efforts and actionable insights to promote optimal health across Virginia's diverse communities.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The VCA Education Impact Grants aim to enhance arts education across Virginia by funding hands-on programs and residencies that engage students and communities. Eligible applicants include Virginia schools and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on professional development for artists and educators. A 1:1 cash match is required for funding, ensuring that projects are sustainable and impactful. This initiative fosters creativity and collaboration, enriching the educational landscape in both traditional and non-traditional settings.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Virginia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR), provide essential funding for the development and rehabilitation of trails and related facilities. This federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program supports various trail categories, ensuring access for both motorized and non-motorized users. Since its inception, the program has significantly contributed to the enhancement of local parks across Virginia, fostering community engagement and outdoor recreation.